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Byline: Kathy Rodeghier

Near ...

War and remembrance

Explore the roots of Memorial Day at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich., during Civil War Remembrance May 24 and 25. Because the holiday we observe this year on May 25 originated as a result of the Civil War, events throughout the village will recount the Victorian era and the War Between the States. Living history re-enactors will re-create tactical troop movements, encampments and daily scenes from the Civil War. Historians will narrate a fashion show of clothing from 1855-65 and display Victorian mourning memorabilia. Mourning customs and superstitions will be discussed and there will be dramatic readings of poetry and a wreath-laying ceremony. The 5th Michigan Regiment Band will fill the air with the 19th-century music that spurred troops into battle. For more information on this memorable weekend phone Greenfield Village at (313) 271-1620.

Wagons ho!

A caravan of covered wagons will cross the state of Wisconsin in a 16-day, 234-mile journey honoring the 150th anniversary of Wisconsin statehood. The Military Road Sesquicentennial Wagon Train will gather May 29-31 in Prairie du Chein, Wis., then make its way to Green Bay, Wis., by June 14. It will make evening stops at 13 Wisconsin communities: Patch Grove, Fennimore, Dodgeville, Barneveld, Cross Plains, Lodi, Portage (where it will rest June 7 and 8), Kingston, Brandon, Fond du Lac, Stockbridge, Wrightstown and De Pere. The wagons will follow the route of the Old Military Road cut by soldiers between Wisconsin's three forts: Fort Howard in Green Bay, Ford Winnebago in Portage and Fort Crawford in Prairie de Chein. Participants in the caravan will wear clothing from the 1835-65 time period and will drive historically correct wagons with wooden-spoked wheels with iron or hard-rubber rims. Communities along the route have organized welcoming ceremonies and events ranging from barn dances to historic lectures. For details call (920) 336-9667.

And Far

Arts fest in Charleston

America's premier arts festival stages its 22nd season in Charleston, S.C., May 22 through June 7 with more than 120 performances by renowned artists in opera, dance, theater and music ranging from jazz to symphonies. …